Press Release

PUC Releases Annual Report Highlighting Universal Service Programs Collections Performance

Published on 7/9/2008

Filed under: Electric Gas

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today released the eighth annual summary of the universal service programs and collections performance of each of the state’s major electric distribution companies (EDCs) and natural gas distribution companies (NGDCs).

Universal service programs are those designed to help ensure that all customers have access to utility service no matter what their income.  Programs include the Low Income Usage Reduction Program (LIURP), Customer Assistance Program (CAP), Customer Assistance and Referral Evaluation Services (CARES) and Hardship Funds.

Generally, electric and natural gas customers’ households enrolled in universal service programs have average household incomes that are less than $15,500 a year.  According to the report, the gross write-offs ratio for the electric industry was 2.04 percent in 2007, compared to 1.86 percent in 2006, while the natural gas industry average was 4.10 percent in 2007 and 5.39 percent in 2006.

Highlights from the 2007 report include that electric companies:

• Used $147,635,291 to enroll 219,748 customers in CAPs where on average those customers pay 79 percent of their total bill;
• Saw their customers receive more than $24 million in Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) benefits;
• Spent $20,558,560 to provide 21,079 households with LIURP benefits.  The companies have budgeted $22,406,885 in 2008;
• Saw 11,000 customers receive nearly $3.2 million in hardship fund benefits.

Highlights also include that natural gas companies:

• Used $182,732,645 to enroll 171,014 customers in CAPs where on average those customers pay 85 percent of their total bill;
• Saw their customers receive $54.9 million in LIHEAP benefits;
• Spent $7,505,665 to provide 3,674 households with LIURP benefits.  The companies have budgeted $9,692,458 in 2008; and
• Saw about 8,500 customers receive more than $3.7 million in hardship fund benefits.

         The EDCs and NGDCs began reporting the required data to the Commission on April 1, 2008, for the reporting year 2007.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities to ensure safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protect the public interest; educate consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; further economic development; and foster new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

For recent news releases, audio of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our Web site at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Contact:

• Denise McCracken
  Senior Communications Specialist
  717-787-5722
  demccracken@pa.gov